The 159th Opening Day of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club was a true reflection of what makes Alfred’s so special — sailing, community spirit, and family. Blessed with glorious weather, members and guests filled the Club grounds to enjoy a day that celebrated both tradition and the season ahead.
The morning Sail Past was led by Alfred’s One, relaunched after her major refurbishment both inside and out. She looked magnificent as she took pride of place on the water once again. The Pittwater Dash followed in sparkling conditions, giving sailors a lively race and setting the tone for the day.
Back ashore, the clubhouse looked superb, dressed with flags and displays, while families enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Children had their faces painted, chased balloons, and played games on the lawn, adding to the sense of fun and celebration. Lunch and bar service ran seamlessly, with the hospitality team ensuring there were no queues and plenty of smiling faces.
The day also included important moments of recognition. Commodore’s Medals were presented to David West and David Kennedy in acknowledgement of their decades of volunteer service, particularly on the Heritage Committee.
A special presentation was also made to Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby by Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, recognising her trailblazing leadership and commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Julia is a trailblazer in our sailing community, and the first female Vice Commodore at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club since its inception.
Julia oversees many programs at the club, including Alfreds Community Sailing program and the Hansa World Championships at the club in March 2025, and worked tirelessly to understand how to support participants with disabilities in this event.
Julia’s work to improve accessibility and inclusion at the club is admirable, and we thank her for enriching our community.
Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Commodore Robert McClelland
The Community Recognition statement reads:
Julia Hornsby is a trailblazer in our sailing community and the first female vice commodore at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club since its inception. Julia oversees many programs at the club including the Alfred’s Community Sailing Program, which aims to support the mental wellbeing of people who have experienced trauma. Participants include local emergency response workers, women from Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter refuge and police from the Domestic Violence Unit. Through this program, participants can enjoy a day out on the calm waters of Pittwater and a communal lunch with their colleagues. The program is a true testament to Julia’s character and her care for our Pittwater community.
Julia also led the charge to host the Hansa World Championships at the club. She worked tirelessly to understand how to support participants with disabilities in this event, including those who very impressively used only their chin to sail their Hansa yacht. Julia’s work to improve accessibility and inclusion at the club is nothing short of incredible, and I thank her for enriching our community.
Jacqui Scruby MP said:
“Julia embodies the spirit of Pittwater—resilient, inclusive and deeply connected to her community.”
“Her leadership has opened new doors in sailing, creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to be part of something bigger. We’re so fortunate to have her driving this change here in Pittwater.”
Prizes on the day included Best Dressed Crew, awarded to Banter, and Best Dressed Boat, awarded to Bullwinkle. The winners of the Pittwater Dash were Wings12, skippered by Billy Davis, in the PHS, and for the ORC Fleet Matt Visser in Finn Aus 5.
Best dressed crew; Banter
Best dressed boat; Bullwinkle.
Commodore Robert McClelland extended his thanks to all involved, highlighting the teamwork across staff, Flag Officers, Directors and volunteers that made the day such a success.
“It was a very special Opening Day,” he said. “With perfect weather, Alfred’s One relaunched and gleaming, families filling the grounds, and our people being recognised, there was so much to celebrate. My huge appreciation goes to everyone who contributed to making it such a memorable start to our 159th season.” Commodore Robert McClelland said
L to R: Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby, Rear Commodore Activities & Chair Verity Powers and Commodore Robert McClelland
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Angus Gordon OAM and the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop AM
Over the same weekend as the Open of the Sailing Season day, RPAYC Youth Development Women’s Team of Belle Holdsworth (Skipper), Hayley Fisher, Violette Russell, Sophie Aitkin and Annabelle Sampson, were competing at the annual John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia over the weekend, 6th and 7th of September.
The girls were super excited to get in some great racing against other Women's teams from around Australia and New Zealand. The team are looking to build upon their strong performance at last year's edition of the event.
Coming up at the Alfreds this weekend is the David Lukins Memorial Regatta, 13th/14th September. The David Lukins Memorial Regatta is an annual event on the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club racing calendar that sees current and former Youth Development program participants & Club Members compete in a two day match racing event.
The Regatta is held in memory of David Lukins. David was a tireless volunteer around the club, helping out in a variety of areas such as kids learn to sail, Centreboard, Youth Development mentoring, race management, & umpiring just to name a few. This resulted in David receiving one of the club’s most prestigious awards, Volunteer of the year for 1998-99.
The 2025 event will see the return of a two-day Match Racing event. Grade 5 Open Match Racing Regatta. At the conclusion of Part One, skippers will be seeded into Part Two. Skippers ranked 1-4 are seeded into the Gold Group. Skippers 5-8 are seeded into the Silver Group.
2025 Teams, so far, include:
- Team 1 – Daniel Kemp
- Team 2 – Alistair Read
- Team 3 – Bayley Taylor
- Team 4 – Louis Tilly
- Team 5 – Patrick Langley
The 2025 Women’s Match Racing World Championship will be hosted by Chicago Yacht Club, running September 17-20 in the fleet of TOM 28 match racing boats. Racing will take place right in front of the City Centre from Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Shore base. The 2025 Women’s Match Racing Worlds will be an official stage of the 2025 Women’s World Match Racing Tour.
The team representing RPAYC, and Australia, is made up of three generations of youth development graduates
- Juliet Costanzo,
- Sarah Parker,
- Rachel Bower,
- Alice Parker (Tarnawski)
- Katie Pellew (Spithill)
On Friday September 19 the club hosts a Women's Sailing Social, which runs from 5.30pm onwards - drop in anytime. This is a relaxed get-together where sailors can connect – whether you’re looking to add to your crew or are a sailor looking for a boat to sail on.
RPAYC says ''It’s not just for Tuesday Twilights; it’s for anyone interested in racing. We’d love to see everyone for a couple of drinks and a catch-up.'' Theme; white shirt/white t-shirt.
The second month of Spring 2025 heralds the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, a biannual race now in its second edition. The race starts at 1pm on 11 October, 2025 on Sydney Harbour. Entries in the RPAYCs race, co-hosted by New Zealand’s Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC), are still open, so don’t miss out.
News has come through this week that US yachtsman Bryon Ehrhart has entered his Juan Kouyoumdjian 88 designed Lucky, the envy of boat owners world-wide with a slew of line honours, overall wins and race records to her name.
For all information, including entry and Notice of Race, please visit: www.sydneytoauckland.com
Straight after that the club hosts the 2025 Pittwater Sail Expo (Friday October 24, Saturday the 25th and Sunday October 26 inclusive). The RPAYC's Pittwater Sail Expo, proudly supported by Pantaenius, is a 3 day funfest showcasing not only one of Pittwater's best clubs but sailing itself.
Details are:
Discover Sailing at the Pittwater Sail Expo – A Free Community Event
- Friday 24 October: 1:00 – 4:00pm
- Saturday 25 October: 10:00 – 4:00pm
- Sunday 26 October: 10:00 – 4:00pm
Join us at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Newport for the Pittwater Sail Expo – a free, family-friendly event celebrating all things sailing and the vibrant marine lifestyle.
Open to the public, the Sail Expo is a unique opportunity to connect with marine industry professionals and explore the latest in yacht designs, marine technology, and boating services. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or simply curious about getting started, the event offers something for everyone.
Visitors can enjoy:
A diverse showcase of yachts, dinghies, and shore-based marine exhibitors. Exhibitors list and information here.
Information on Learn to Sail programs, youth and adult training, educational courses, racing and cruising opportunities, and family-friendly club membership options.
A welcoming atmosphere with live entertainment and a seasonal dining menu available throughout the weekend.
This is your chance to experience the world of sailing first-hand, meet the RPAYC community, and see just how easy it is to get out on the water. With free parking and a complimentary tender service to and from nearby wharves, enjoying the day couldn’t be easier.
Come and be inspired – sailing starts here!
In the last month of Spring the 2025 Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship will run from 19–23 November 2025 at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater.
Not that members are not sailing at every other time of the year. Hooligan and Marcus Blackmore triumphed at the 40th Hamilton Island Race Week in August 2025.
Marcus Blackmore and his TP52 Hooligan claimed victory in Rating Division 1 at the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week, a fitting bookend to a remarkable 40-year story.
Marcus first won here in 1984, taking the Arbitrary Division with The Manly Ferry at the inaugural Race Week. In the years since, his yachts have become synonymous with the regatta’s Grand Prix divisions, with Hooligan lifting multiple titles including back-to-back wins in 2011 and 2012, and further triumphs in 2013, 2019, and now 2025.
Credit pic: Salty Dingo
This year’s victory was emphatic: Hooligan scored five race wins and a second from six starts, securing the series with a race to spare. True to form, Marcus and his crew raced on regardless, underscoring their competitive spirit.
Supporting Marcus was a world-class team whose depth of talent speaks for itself:
- Malcolm Page OAM – dual Olympic gold medallist and seven-time world champion.
- Gavin Brady – America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veteran.
- Andy Green – renowned international sailor and commentator.
- Alongside seasoned professionals including Matt Stenta, Richie Allanson, Alby Pratt, Tom Dawson, Sam Hunt, Ryan Brooke, Niall Morrow, Alister Hunter, Micky Slinn, Harry Smith, and Terry Wetton (Team Manager).
Together, they exemplify the old adage: “A champion team will always beat a team of champions.”
RPAYC members also took part in the 2025 Airlie Beach Race week. Results there included:
- Performance Racing: 3rd – Organised Chaos – Garry Gudmunson
- Performance Cruising Div 1: 1st – Antipodes – Geoff Hill, 2nd – La Troisieme Mitemps – Matt Doyle
- Performance Cruising Div 2: 5th – Banter – Mike Robertson
- Trailables & Sports Boats Div 2: 6th – Botany Access – Justin Brownbill
RPAYC youth members; Ellis Merrett, Angus Renton and Sienna Brown, most recent adventures were to Spain for the Junior Worlds and Portugal for the Junior Europeans. Representing the Club at the 470 Junior Worlds in Spain and Junior Europeans in Portugal, and facing world-class competition, challenging conditions, and steep learning curves, both teams showed determination, growth, and true RPAYC spirit.
Closer to home, on Pittwater and surrounds, the RPAYC has just wrapped the Graham Norman Memorial Trophy, Wednesday Waterford Series and Winter Pursuit Series at the end of August 2025.
Congratulations RPAYC - a wonderful opening to your 2025-2026 Season.
A few more photos from the 159th Opening Day of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, on Pittwater, run below.
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Photos by RPAYC